The autonomous communities and the EU from a theoretical perspective: overcoming the existing approaches?

This article discusses the theoretical lessons from the results of the research project into the reforms of CARUE (Conference for EU-Related Affairs), between the Spanish state and the autonomous communities. To that end, the article begins by explaining the theoretical and methodological premises on which our research is based, and then summarises the main findings of our research, paying particular attention to the question of whether or not these reforms have empowered the autonomous communities as political actors within the framework of European governance. Finally, the results are used to reflect back on the dominant theoretical approaches to European governance and the role played by the regions within it; the conclusion is that any theoretical model that seeks to successfully deal with these questions must be sensitive to different national traditions and must understand the importance of historical inertias.